Comparing The American Dream In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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“The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States, the set of ideals (Democracy, Rights, Liberty, Opportunity, and Equality) in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers.”

This is what Wikipedia says about the American dream. John Steinbeck´s novel “Of Mice and Men” from 1937, deals with the idea of this so called American dream. The two main characters work hard and are motivated by their “American dream”. Their dream of little farm where they can live just the two of them. They want to be independent and control their own lives. The keyword here is social mobility. They want to get away from the life of being two poor homeless boys, to becoming independent, and …show more content…

Lennie is strong, but not very wise, but fortunately has his old friend George to take care of him. Lennie and George go to a ranch to work, and quickly find their place with the other workers there. However, Lennie is known to make trouble without trying, since he isn’t good at behaving like “a normal” human being. He ends up accidently killing “Curly´s wife”, the boss´ daughter-in-law. The story end tragically, with George having to shoot his life long partner, Lenny, for the sake of Lennie´s, and other peoples well being.

George Milton is the brainy friend, who takes care of Lennie, he is man full of humor, protects his best friend Lennie. He is described as "small and quick, dark face, with restless eyes and sharp strong features”. He is pretty much the opposite of Lennie, both physically and mentally. He is pretty much your usual “migrant ranch worker”. George is the leader, and Lennie just follows George’s footsteps. Throughout the book, George keeps complaining about Lennie. He dreams of what he could do if he did not have to take care of his big friend, not being burdened by

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